Stephen Strasburg
will make his first appearance in the prospect-rich Arizona Fall League today.

The former San Diego State star pitched five innings in two outings with the Nationals' instructional league team in Florida and is expected to throw only three or four innings for Phoenix against Scottsdale.

Around the majors

•Padres hitting coach
Randy Ready
and former Brewers manager Ned Yost met with the Astros yesterday to interview to become Houston's skipper next season. Houston is looking for a successor to
Cecil Cooper,
who was fired on Sept. 21.

•Slugger Albert Pujols said the Cardinals are interested in extending his contract during the winter. Pujols told a Dominican radio station Wednesday that he is in no rush to make a decision. He still has a year left on his contract for 2010 and a club option for 2011.

•Former Nationals manager Manny Acta was interviewed by the Indians for their managerial opening.